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Abstract:

An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup device chip having an
image pickup device on a front face and an external connection terminal
on a rear face through a via interconnect; a wiring board placed within a
projection plane of the image pickup device chip and made up of an
intermediate portion whose first main face is connected with the external
connection terminal, a first flexing portion and a second flexing portion
extended from opposite ends of the intermediate portion and bent toward
the intermediate portion at a predetermined angle, and a first extension
portion and a second extension portion; and a signal cable connected to
the first extension portion and the second extension portion.

Claims:

1. An image pickup apparatus, comprising: an image pickup device chip
having an image pickup device on a front face and an external connection
terminal on a rear face, where the external connection terminal is
connected to the image pickup device through a via interconnect; a wiring
board placed within a projection plane of the image pickup device chip
and made up of an intermediate portion whose first main face is connected
with the external connection terminal, a first flexing portion and a
second flexing portion extended from opposite ends of the intermediate
portion and bent toward the intermediate portion at a predetermined
angle, and a first extension portion and a second extension portion
extended from the first flexing portion or the second flexing portion;
and a signal cable connected to at least one of the first extension
portion and the second extension portion.

2. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least the
first flexing portion and the second flexing portion of the wiring board
have flexibility.

3. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least part
of a second main face in the first extension portion and the second
extension portion of the wiring board comprises a reinforcement member
fixed in abutment.

4. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a
bonding layer placed in the projection plane of the image pickup device
chip and adapted to bond together the image pickup device chip and the
wiring board.

5. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the bonding
layer is placed in the projection plane of the wiring board.

6. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a cut portion
is formed on a side face of the image pickup device chip; and the rear
face is smaller in external dimensions than the front face.

7. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a groove
portion is formed in the rear face of the image pickup device chip to
restrict size of the bonding layer to fit the bonding layer in the
projection plane of the wiring board.

8. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the bonding
layer is formed of film resin or liquid resin.

9. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an electronic
component is mounted on at least one side of the wiring board.

10. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 9, wherein an opening
is formed in the reinforcement member to house the electronic component
mounted on the second main face of the wiring board.

11. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the
reinforcement member has a groove portion in a surface.

12. An endoscope, comprising: an image pickup device chip having an image
pickup device on a front face and an external connection terminal on a
rear face, where the external connection terminal is connected to the
image pickup device through a via interconnect; a wiring board placed
within a projection plane of the image pickup device chip and made up of
an intermediate portion whose first main face is connected with the
external connection terminal, a first flexing portion and a second
flexing portion extended from opposite ends of the intermediate portion
and bent toward the intermediate portion at a predetermined angle, and a
first extension portion and a second extension portion extended from the
first flexing portion or the second flexing portion; and a signal cable
connected to at least one of the first extension portion and the second
extension portion.

13. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein at least the first
flexing portion and the second flexing portion of the wiring board have
flexibility.

14. The endoscope according to claim 13, wherein at least part of a
second main face in the first extension portion and the second extension
portion of the wiring board comprises a reinforcement member fixed in
abutment.

15. The endoscope according to claim 14, further comprising a bonding
layer placed in the projection plane of the image pickup device chip and
adapted to bond together the image pickup device chip and the wiring
board.

16. A manufacturing method for an image pickup apparatus, comprising: an
image pickup device chip production step of producing an image pickup
device chip having an image pickup device on a front face and an external
connection terminal on a rear face, where the external connection
terminal is connected to the image pickup device through a via
interconnect; an external connection terminal connection step of
connecting a first main face in an intermediate portion of a wiring board
with the external connection terminal; a reinforcement member bonding
step of bonding a reinforcement member to a second main face in the
intermediate portion of the wiring board; a wiring board fixing step of
bending a first flexing portion and a second flexing portion extended
from opposite ends of the intermediate portion of the wiring board toward
the intermediate portion at a predetermined angle, fixing at least part
of a second main face in a first extension portion and a second extension
portion extended from the first flexing portion or the second flexing
portion in abutment with the reinforcement member, and thereby placing
the wiring board within a projection plane of the image pickup device
chip; and a cable connection step of connecting a signal cable to at
least one of the first extension portion and the second extension
portion.

17. The manufacturing method for an image pickup apparatus, according to
claim 16, wherein: the image pickup device chip production step
comprises: an image pickup device wafer production step of producing an
image pickup device wafer which has a plurality of image pickup devices
on a front face and has external connection terminals on a rear face,
where the external connection terminals are connected to the respective
image pickup devices, a bonding layer formation step of forming a bonding
layer on the rear face of the image pickup device wafer, with the bonding
layer being patterned to contain a plurality of the external connection
terminals connected to the respective image pickup devices, and a dicing
step of dicing the image pickup device wafer into image pickup device
chips larger in external dimensions than the bonding layer; and the
external connection terminal connection step makes a connection via the
bonding layer.

18. The manufacturing method for an image pickup apparatus, according to
claim 17, wherein: the image pickup device chip production step comprises
a cut portion formation step of forming a cut portion on a side face of
the image pickup device chip; and the rear face of the image pickup
device chip is smaller in external dimensions than the front face.

19. The manufacturing method for an image pickup apparatus, according to
claim 17, wherein the image pickup device chip production step comprises
a groove portion forming step of forming a groove portion in the rear
face to restrict size of the bonding layer to fit the bonding layer in
the projection plane of the wiring board.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Application No.
2010-088746 filed in Japan on Apr. 7, 2010 and Japanese Application No.
2010-209774 filed in Japan on Sep. 17, 2010, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus equipped
with a solid-state image pickup device chip, an endoscope equipped with
the image pickup apparatus, and a manufacturing method for the image
pickup apparatus, and more particularly, to an image pickup apparatus
connected with an external connection terminal on a rear face of a
solid-state image pickup device chip and equipped with a wiring board
having a flexing portion, an endoscope equipped with the image pickup
apparatus, and a manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] An image pickup apparatus equipped with a solid-state image pickup
device chip is used, for example, by being disposed in a distal end
portion of an endoscope. Diameter and size reductions are important
issues for the distal end portion of the endoscope to alleviate the pain
of a patient.

[0006] As shown in FIG. 1, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
Publication No. 2000-199863 discloses an image pickup apparatus 101 which
includes an image pickup device chip 120, a pattern film 130, a wiring
board 140, and a signal cable 150. The wiring board 140, electronic
components 146 mounted on the wiring board 140, and a terminal portion of
the signal cable 150 fit within a projection plane of the image pickup
device chip 120.

[0007] As shown in FIG. 2, the wiring board 140 is a T-shaped multilayer
ceramic board made up of a vertically-oriented substrate 140A and a
horizontally-oriented substrate 140B orthogonal to the substrate 140A. A
bonding pad 124 provided in an outer peripheral portion of an image
pickup device 123 and a bonding pad (not shown) provided on the
vertically-oriented substrate 140A coupled to the back of the image
pickup device chip 120 are connected by the pattern film 130 on which a
wiring pattern is formed. The electronic components 146 are mounted on
the horizontally-oriented substrate 140B and the signal cable 150 is
connected to a terminal portion 143 formed in an end portion of the
horizontally-oriented substrate 140B.

[0008] However, in the image pickup apparatus 101, the pattern film 130 is
placed on a side face of the image pickup device chip 120, increasing an
external dimension of the image pickup apparatus by an amount equal to
the thickness (dozens to hundreds of microns) of the pattern film 130.

[0009] In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No.
2009-176815, the present applicant discloses a structural body on which a
flexing portion is formed at a predetermined angle by abutting electronic
components mounted on a wiring substrate against each other.

[0010] Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No.
2001-13662 discloses a flip-chip mounting method for attaching a
semiconductor device having input and output electrode terminals provided
with conductive posts and covered with a partially cured resin to a
circuit board under heat and pressure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided an image pickup apparatus, comprising: an image pickup device
chip having an image pickup device on a front face and an external
connection terminal on a rear face, where the external connection
terminal is connected to the image pickup device through a via
interconnect; a wiring board placed within a projection plane of the
image pickup device chip and made up of an intermediate portion whose
first main face is connected with the external connection terminal, a
first flexing portion and a second flexing portion extended from opposite
ends of the intermediate portion and bent toward the intermediate portion
at a predetermined angle, and a first extension portion and a second
extension portion extended from the first flexing portion or the second
flexing portion; and a signal cable connected to at least one of the
first extension portion and the second extension portion.

[0012] According to another embodiment, there is provided an endoscope,
comprising: an image pickup device chip having an image pickup device on
a front face and an external connection terminal on a rear face, where
the external connection terminal is connected to the image pickup device
through a via interconnect; a wiring board placed within a projection
plane of the image pickup device chip and made up of an intermediate
portion whose first main face is connected with the external connection
terminal, a first flexing portion and a second flexing portion extended
from opposite ends of the intermediate portion and bent toward the
intermediate portion at a predetermined angle, and a first extension
portion and a second extension portion extended from the first flexing
portion or the second flexing portion; and a signal cable connected to at
least one of the first extension portion and the second extension
portion.

[0013] According to another embodiment, there is provided a manufacturing
method for an image pickup apparatus, comprising: an image pickup device
chip production step of producing an image pickup device chip having an
image pickup device on a front face and an external connection terminal
on a rear face, where the external connection terminal is connected to
the image pickup device through a via interconnect; an external
connection terminal connection step of connecting a first main face in an
intermediate portion of a wiring board with the external connection
terminal; a reinforcement member bonding step of bonding a reinforcement
member to a second main face in the intermediate portion of the wiring
board; a wiring board fixing step of bending a first flexing portion and
a second flexing portion extended from opposite ends of the intermediate
portion of the wiring board toward the intermediate portion at a
predetermined angle, fixing at least part of a second main face in a
first extension portion and a second extension portion extended from the
first flexing portion or the second flexing portion in abutment with the
reinforcement member, and thereby placing the wiring board within a
projection plane of the image pickup device chip; and a cable connection
step of connecting a signal cable to at least one of the first extension
portion and the second extension portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view for illustrating a structure of a
known image pickup apparatus;

[0015]FIG. 2 is an exploded view for illustrating a structure of a wiring
board of a known image pickup apparatus;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective view for illustrating a structure of an
image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment;

[0017]FIG. 4 is an exploded view for illustrating the structure of the
image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0018]FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state viewed from a
lateral direction to illustrate the structure of the image pickup
apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0019] FIGS. 6A to 6D are explanatory diagrams showing a state viewed from
a lateral direction to illustrate a manufacturing method for the image
pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0020]FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state viewed from a
lateral direction to illustrate a structure of an image pickup apparatus
according to a second embodiment;

[0021]FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state viewed from a
lateral direction to illustrate a structure of an endoscope according to
a third embodiment;

[0022]FIG. 9 is an exploded view for illustrating a structure of an image
pickup apparatus according to a fourth embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 10 is an exploded view for illustrating a structure of an
image pickup apparatus according to a fifth embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a sectional view for illustrating a structure of an
image pickup apparatus according to a sixth embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 12 is an exploded view for illustrating the structure of the
image pickup apparatus according to the sixth embodiment;

[0026]FIG. 13 is a perspective view from the side of a first main face
for illustrating an image pickup device wafer production step of a
manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus according to the
sixth embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view from the side of a second main face
for illustrating the image pickup device wafer production step of the
manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus according to the
sixth embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view from the side of the second main face
for illustrating a bonding layer formation step of the manufacturing
method for the image pickup apparatus according to the sixth embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view from the side of the second main face
for illustrating a dicing step of the manufacturing method for the image
pickup apparatus according to the sixth embodiment;

[0030]FIG. 17 is a sectional view for illustrating a bonding step of the
manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus according to the
sixth embodiment;

[0031]FIG. 18 is a sectional view for illustrating a connection step of
the manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus according to the
sixth embodiment;

[0032]FIG. 19 is a sectional view for illustrating a bending step of the
manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus according to the
sixth embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 20 is a sectional view for illustrating an image pickup
apparatus according to a first variation of the sixth embodiment;

[0034]FIG. 21 is a sectional view for illustrating an image pickup
apparatus according to a second variation of the sixth embodiment;

[0035] FIGS. 22A to 22C are sectional views for illustrating an image
pickup apparatus according to a seventh embodiment;

[0036]FIG. 23 is an exploded view for illustrating an image pickup
apparatus according to an eighth embodiment;

[0037] FIGS. 24A to 24C are sectional views for illustrating the image
pickup apparatus according to the eighth embodiment;

[0038]FIG. 25 is a sectional view for illustrating a manufacturing method
for an image pickup apparatus according to a ninth embodiment;

[0039]FIG. 26 is a sectional view for illustrating a manufacturing method
for an image pickup apparatus according to a tenth embodiment;

[0040]FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for illustrating a sectional
structure of an endoscope according to an eleventh embodiment; and

[0041] FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram for illustrating a sectional
structure of an endoscope according to a twelfth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, an image pickup apparatus 1
according to the present embodiment is a solid-state image pickup
apparatus which includes an image pickup device chip 10, a block 20 which
is a reinforcement member, a wiring board 30, and a signal cable
(hereinafter also referred to as a "cable") 38.

[0043] An image pickup device 11 (see FIG. 5) such as a CMOS device is
formed on a front face 14 which is a first main face of the image pickup
device chip 10, and external connection terminals 13 of the image pickup
device 11 are formed on a rear face 15 which is a second main face
through via interconnects 12 using TSVs (Through-Silicon Vias) or the
like.

[0044] The wiring board 30 provided with a first main face 33 and a second
main face 34 is a flexible wiring board using a flexible resin such as
polyimide as base material. On the first main face 33, the wiring board
30 has a wiring layer (not shown) made of copper or the like and
connected with the external connection terminals 13 of the image pickup
device chip 10 via connection portions 31 such as gold bumps, the
connection portions (not shown) connected with the wiring layer and used
to surface-mount electronic components 39, and multiple terminal portions
32 connected with the wiring layer and used to connect to a cable 38
containing multiple conductive wires 37. That is, the wiring layer
connects the image pickup device chip 10 with the cable 38 and makes up
an electronic circuit.

[0045] Incidentally, although the wiring board 30 is expressed as being
divided into an intermediate portion 30M, a first flexing portion 30V1, a
second flexing portion 30V2, a first extension portion 30C1, and a second
extension portion 30C2 for the sake of convenience, actually the wiring
board 30 according to the present embodiment is a single flexible wiring
board and boundaries among the divided portions described above are not
defined clearly. The wiring board needs only that at least the first
flexing portion 30V1 and the second flexing portion 30V2 have
flexibility, and may be a rigid-flexible wiring board in which
intermediate portion 30M, the first extension portion 30C1, and the
second extension portion 30C2 are made of rigid material. In the case of
a rigid-flexible wiring board, the boundaries among the divided portions
are clear. The cable 38 transmits signals and the like between the image
pickup device chip 10 and other units (not shown) including a control
unit and a signal processing unit.

[0046] The image pickup apparatus 1 includes the block 20 which is a
reinforcement member adapted to bend and hold the first flexing portion
30V1 and the second flexing portion 30V2 of the wiring board 30 toward
the intermediate portion 30M at a predetermined angle. The block 20
includes a bonding surface 22 bonded to the second main face 34 of the
wiring board 30, and two inclined surfaces 23 and 24 inclined inward at a
predetermined angle θV on both sides of the bonding surface 22.

[0047] The wiring board 30 is bent along the block 20, and flexing angles
θv1 and θv2 of the first flexing portion 30V1 and second
flexing portion 30V2 are determined by inclined angles θv1 and
θv2 of the inclined surfaces 23 and 24 of the block 20. Bent
portions of the first flexing portion 30V1 and the second flexing portion
30V2 have a curved shape, and an angle between the intermediate portion
and the first extension portion 30C1 as well as between the intermediate
portion 30M and the second extension portion 30C2 are designated as a
bending angle (flexing angle) θv. When the bending angle θv
is 90 degrees or less, the first extension portion 30C1 and the second
extension portion 30C2 are inclined toward the intermediate portion 30M.
Preferably the bending angle θv is 90 to 50 degrees, and more
preferably 75 to 55 degrees such as 65 degrees. Incidentally, as
described later, depending on mounting conditions of the electronic
components 39 on the wiring board 30, most preferably the bending angle
θv may be 90 degrees.

[0048] If the bending angle θv is within the range described above,
the wiring board 30, the multiple electronic components 39 mounted on the
wiring board 30, and a bonding portion of the cable 38 can be placed
within a projection plane 10Z of the image pickup device chip 10. Here,
the projection plane 10Z is a vertical projection plane parallel to the
front face 14 and the rear face 15. The phrase "within the projection
plane 10Z" means the inside of multiple projection planes 10Z, in other
words, the inside of a space formed by the multiple projection planes
10Z.

[0049] Incidentally, the flexing angle θv1 of the first flexing
portion 30V1 and the flexing angle θv2 of the second flexing
portion 30V2 may be either equal flexing angles θv or different
flexing angles as long as the range described above is satisfied. Also,
since the cable 38 has flexibility, for diameter reduction of the image
pickup apparatus 1, there is no need to place the entire length of the
cable 38 within the projection plane 10Z, and it is sufficient if at
least the bonding portion with respect to the wiring board 30 is placed
within the projection plane 10Z.

[0050] The block 20 functions as a fixing member adapted to place the
wiring board 30 within a predetermined space, i.e., within the projection
plane 10Z of the image pickup device chip 10. Also, the block 20 holds
the wiring board 30 stably and functions to facilitate the bonding
operation of the cable 38 to the wiring board 30.

[0051] Furthermore, the block 20 also functions as a reinforcement member
adapted to increase mechanical strength by holding the image pickup
device chip 10 and the wiring board 30 integrally. That is, the image
pickup device chip 10, which is formed, for example, on a silicon
substrate, might be deformed or broken by external forces. However, the
image pickup device chip 10 is bonded to the block 20 via the wiring
board 30, resulting in increased strength. Similarly, the wiring board 30
increases in strength by being bonded to the block 20 although
substantially loses flexibility.

[0052] As described above, in the image pickup apparatus 1 according to
the present embodiment, the wiring board 30, which is fixed in abutment
with the block 20, constantly remains flexed at a predetermined angle
even if a special jig or the like is not used. That is, since the wiring
board 30 and the like can be placed in a predetermined small space, the
image pickup apparatus 1 readily lends itself to reductions in external
dimensions. Thus, the image pickup apparatus 1 can be disposed stably in
the predetermined small space.

[0053] Next, a manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus 1 will
be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D. The image pickup device
chip 10, the block 20, the wiring board 30, and the cable 38 are produced
separately and subsequently integrated in an assembly step.

[0054] The image pickup device chip 10 is produced by dicing an image
pickup device wafer made up of a large number of image pickup devices 11
and via interconnects 12 formed, for example, on a silicon substrate,
using a known semiconductor process. That is, an image pickup device chip
production step produces the image pickup device chips 10 having the
image pickup devices 11 on the front face 14 and the external connection
terminals 13 on the rear face, where the external connection terminals 13
are connected to the image pickup devices 11 through the via
interconnects 12.

[0055] When made of a resin such as polycarbonate, the block 20 is
produced by die casting or the like. The wiring board 30 is produced by
applying etching and plating or the like to a copper foil and polyimide
or other base material affixed to each other.

[0056] Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the electronic components 39 are mounted
on the first main face 33 in the first extension portion 30C1 and second
extension portion 30C2 of the wiring board 30. The electronic components
39 are components selected, as required, from among chip capacitors, chip
resistors, signal processing ICs, driver ICs, power supply ICs, diodes,
coils, reed switches, and the like. Of course, electronic components 39
do not need to be mounted if there is no need for them.

[0057] Next, in a connection step (external connection terminal connection
step), the wiring layer in the intermediate portion 30M of the wiring
board 30 is connected to the external connection terminals 13 on the rear
face 15 of the image pickup device chip 10 via the connection portions
31. As described later, a gap between the wiring board 30 and the image
pickup device chip 10 may be sealed/bonded by resin. Also, solder bumps
(solder balls), an ACP (anisotropic conductive resin paste), an ACF
(anisotropic conductive film), or the like may be used for the
connecting.

[0058] Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, in a reinforcement member bonding step,
the bonding surface 22 of the block 20 is bonded to the second main face
34 in the intermediate portion 30M of the wiring board 30 via a bonding
layer 60 described later (see FIG. 28 and the like). Besides, available
materials of the block 20 made of resin includes PET (polyethylene
terephthalate), fluororesin, acrylic resin, polyacetal, polypropylene,
polyethylene, and silicon. The area of the bonding surface 22 of the
block 20 has only to be smaller than the area of the rear face 15 of the
image pickup device chip 10.

[0059] Then, as shown in FIG. 6C, in a wiring board fixing step (bending
step), after an adhesive (not shown) is applied to at least one of the
second main face 34 in the first extension portion 30C1 and second
extension portion 30C2 of the wiring board 30 and the inclined surfaces
23 and 24 of the block 20, the first flexing portion 30V1 and the second
flexing portion 30V2 of the wiring board 30 are bent such that the first
extension portion 30C1 and the second extension portion 30C2 will abut
the inclined surfaces 23 and 24 of the block 20. The same material as the
bonding layer 60 used to bond the bonding surface 22 may be used to bond
the inclined surfaces 23 and 24. As the adhesive is cured with the first
extension portion 30C1 and the second extension portion 30C2 placed in
abutment with the inclined surfaces 23 and 24 of the block 20, the first
extension portion 30C1 and the second extension portion 30C2 are bonded
to the inclined surfaces 23 and 24. Incidentally, a space may be left to
separate the block 20 from the first flexing portion 30V1 and the second
flexing portion 30V2 or may be filled with an adhesive or the like.

[0060] In the image pickup apparatus 1, since the flexing angles of the
first flexing portion 30V1 and the second flexing portion 30V2 are
determined by the angles of the inclined surfaces 23 and 24 of the block
20, the first flexing portion 30V1 and the second flexing portion 30V2
can be flexed at a predetermined angle easily and accurately. Also, the
wiring board 30, which abuts the block 20 by surface contact over a large
contact area, can be flexed easily without being stressed excessively,
and consequently without danger of breakage.

[0061] From the viewpoint of preventing wiring layer disconnection,
preferably flexing shape of the first flexing portion 30V1 and second
flexing portion 30V2 is a curved shape which is less vulnerable to
stress, but the shape does not make much difference as long as the first
flexing portion 30V1 and second flexing portion 30V2 including the
electronic components 39 and the cable 38 fit within the projection plane
10Z of the image pickup device chip 10.

[0062] Finally, as shown in FIG. 6D, in a cable connection step,
conductive wires 37 of the cable 38 are electrically connected with the
terminal portions 32 of the first extension portion 30C1 and second
extension portion 30C2 of the wiring board 30, for example, by solder
joints. In the image pickup apparatus 1, since the wiring board 30 is
held stably by the block 20, the cable 38 can be connected easily to the
terminal portions 32 by soldering. Besides, there is no need for a
special jig used to temporarily fix the wiring board 30 during a
solder-based connecting operation. Incidentally, the cable 38 may be
connected to at least one of the first extension portion 30C1 and the
second extension portion 30C2.

[0063] Since the wiring board 30 connected to the rear face 15 of the
image pickup device chip 10, the electronic components 39 mounted on the
wiring board 30, the connection portions of the cable 38 connected to the
wiring board 30 are placed within the projection plane 10Z of the image
pickup device chip 10, the image pickup apparatus 1 can be disposed in a
small space. Also, the manufacturing method for the image pickup
apparatus 1 enables efficient manufacturing of the image pickup apparatus
1 which can be disposed in a small space.

Second Embodiment

[0064] Next, an image pickup apparatus 1A according to a second embodiment
will be described. The image pickup apparatus 1A according to the present
embodiment is similar to the image pickup apparatus 1 according to the
first embodiment, and the same components as those in the first
embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as the
corresponding components, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, a wiring board 30A of the image pickup
apparatus 1A according to the present embodiment is a multilayer wiring
board which has a wiring layer 35 (see FIG. 11) on at least both faces,
and multiple electronic components 38 and 39A are mounted on the first
main face 33 and the second main face 34, respectively. On the other
hand, a block 20A which is a reinforcement member has a concave portion
25 in an inclined surface 23A and a bonding surface 22A. The electronic
components 39A mounted on the second main face 34 of the wiring board 30A
are housed in the concave portion 25. In other words, the concave portion
25 is an opening for use to house the electronic components 39A.
Incidentally, a gap between the concave portion 25 and the electronic
components 39A may be either left as a space (air) or filled with an
adhesive or the like.

[0066] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, in the image pickup apparatus 1A, the
bending angle θv of the first flexing portion 30V1 and second
flexing portion 30V2 of the wiring board 30A is approximately 90 degrees.
However, since large electronic components 39A are located on the side of
the block 20A, the wiring board 30A on which the electronic components 39
are mounted is placed within the projection plane 10Z of the image pickup
device chip 10. That is, in the image pickup apparatus 1A, since the
large electronic components 39A are mounted only on the second main face
34, there is no need to flex the first flexing portion 30V1 and the
second flexing portion 30V2 greatly and a flexing angle θv of about
90 degrees is enough. Thus, there is no danger of wiring layer
disconnection.

[0067] Also, since electronic components are mounted on both faces of the
wiring board 30A, the image pickup apparatus 1A is provided with great
flexibility in placement of the electronic components 39, making wiring
board design easier. Also, since the electronic components can be mounted
in a small area, the first extension portion 30C1 and the second
extension portion 30C2 can be reduced in length. This allows the overall
length of the image pickup apparatus to be reduced.

[0068] That is, in addition to the advantages of the image pickup
apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the image pickup apparatus
1A according to the present embodiment provides greater reductions in
diameter and size, thereby allowing placement in a smaller space.

Third Embodiment

[0069] Next, an endoscope 50 with an image pickup apparatus 1B built into
a distal end portion of an insertion portion will be described as a third
embodiment with reference to FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the image pickup
apparatus 1B and an optical system 51 shown schematically are fixed with
an optical axis O as a center by a frame portion 52. A back side of the
image pickup apparatus 1B is covered by a shielding frame 53, and the
inside of the shielding frame 53 is filled with an electrically
nonconductive resin filler 55 with high thermal conductivity.

[0070] The image pickup apparatus 1B has a structure similar to the image
pickup apparatus 1 described earlier and includes the image pickup device
chip 10, the wiring board 30, and the block 20. Cover glass 19 is bonded
to the front face 14 of the image pickup device chip 10. The electronic
components 39 are mounted on the first extension portion 30C1 and second
extension portion 30C2 of the wiring board 30, and the terminal portions
32 are connected with the cable 38.

[0071] The endoscope 50 with the above structure, i.e., with the image
pickup apparatus 1B built into the distal end portion of the insertion
portion, lends itself to diameter reduction.

Fourth Embodiment

[0072] Next, an image pickup apparatus 1C according to a fourth embodiment
will be described. The image pickup apparatus 1C according to the present
embodiment is similar to the image pickup apparatus 1A according to the
second embodiment, and the same components as those in the second
embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as the
corresponding components, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, a reinforcement member of the image pickup
apparatus 1C according to the present embodiment is a plate 20C. The
plate 20C is produced by flexing opposite ends of a plate at a
predetermined angle. As with the block 20A, the plate 20C includes a
bonding surface 22C bonded to the second main face 34 of a wiring board
30C as well as inclined surfaces 23C and 24C inclined inward at a
predetermined angle with respect to the bonding surface 22C. The bonding
surface 22C and the inclined surfaces 23C and 24C have holes 26 and a cut
portion 27. The holes 26 or the cut portion 27 are larger in size than
the electronic components 39A mounted on the second main face 34 of the
wiring board 30C. Consequently, the electronic components 39A mounted on
the second main face 34 of the wiring board 30C are housed through the
openings, i.e., the holes 26 or cut portion 27.

[0074] Available materials for the plate 20C include resin, ceramics, and
metal.

[0075] As described above, the image pickup apparatus 1C according to the
present embodiment has the advantages of the image pickup apparatus 1A
according to the second embodiment and is lighter in weight than the
image pickup apparatus 1A.

Fifth Embodiment

[0076] Next, an image pickup apparatus 1D according to a fifth embodiment
will be described. The image pickup apparatus 1D according to the present
embodiment is similar to the image pickup apparatus 1A according to the
second embodiment, and the same components as those in the second
embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as the
corresponding components, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 10, a reinforcement member of the image pickup
apparatus 1D according to the present embodiment is a block 20D made of
material with high thermal conductivity and serves as a heatsink provided
with a heat dissipation function for dissipating heat generated by the
image pickup device chip 10 and the like. Grooves 20V are formed in
surfaces of the block 20D to provide an increased surface area and
thereby enhance the heat dissipation function. Preferably the block 20D
is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as
aluminum and copper. Also, a concave portion 25D of the block 20D can
house electronic components 39A.

[0078] The image pickup apparatus 1D, whose block 20D has the heat
dissipation function, provides stable operation of the image pickup
device chip 10 in addition to the advantages of the image pickup
apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

[0079] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment is
similar to the first embodiment and the like, and the same components as
those in the first embodiment and the like are denoted by the same
reference numerals as the corresponding components while similar
components are denoted by the same reference numerals with an
alphabetical letter added to the end, and description thereof will be
omitted.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the image pickup apparatus 1E
according to the present embodiment includes the image pickup device chip
10, the bonding layer 60, and the wiring board 30. The image pickup
device chip 10 is flip-chip-mounted on the wiring board 30 via the
bonding layer 60. In other words, a gap between the wiring board 30 and
the image pickup device chip 10 is sealed/bonded by the bonding layer 60.

[0081] As described earlier, connection terminals 16 on the front face 14
which is the first main face is connected with external connection
terminals 13A on the rear face 15 which is the second main face through
the via interconnects 12.

[0082] The via interconnects 12 are disposed in outer peripheral portions
of the image pickup device 11. Preferably the external connection
terminals 13A are disposed on inner sides of the via interconnects 12.
That is, if the external connection terminals 13A are disposed close to
the outer periphery of the image pickup device chip 10, it may be
difficult to dispose the wiring board 30 within the projection plane 10Z
of the image pickup device chip 10. Therefore, the image pickup device
chip 10 uses a rear side interconnects 17 to dispose the external
connection terminal 13A on the inner sides of formation regions of the
via interconnects 12.

[0084] The wiring board 30 is a flexible multilayer wiring board using a
flexible resin such as polyimide as base material. The wiring board 30
includes the wiring layer 35 made of copper or the like and connected
with the external connection terminals 13A of the image pickup device
chip 10 via connection portions (connection pads) 31A. The connection
portions 31A may be part of the outermost layer of the wiring layer 35.

[0085] In the following embodiments, the wiring board 30 is expressed as
being made up of a bonding portion 30X, bent portions 30Y, and extension
portions 30Z, which correspond, respectively, to the intermediate portion
30M, first flexing portion 30V1 and second flexing portion 30V2, and
first extension portion 30C1 and second extension portion 30C2 of the
wiring board 30 according to the first embodiment described earlier. That
is, the wiring board 30 is placed within the projection plane 10Z of the
image pickup device chip 10 by being bent at the bent portions 30Y.

[0086] As described earlier, the block 20 functions as a reinforcement
member and the like when the wiring board 30 is bent at the bent portions
30Y.

[0087] The bonding layer 60 is made, for example, of an anisotropic
conductive film (ACF). The bonding layer 60 electrically connects the
connection terminals 16 and the connection portions 31 A with each other
and has the functions to seal and reinforce connected portions.
Preferably thickness of the bonding layer 60 is larger than height of the
external connection terminals 13A to prevent cavity formation in bonded
space. For that, the image pickup device chip 10 and the wiring board 30
are bonded together under pressure applied via the bonding layer 60.
Heating or UV light irradiation may be used during bonding under pressure
to melt solder or cure resin.

[0088] Incidentally, a microlens may be formed on the image pickup device
11 of the image pickup device chip 10 or a cover glass may be bonded to
the image pickup device 11 via an air gap.

[0089] The image pickup apparatus 1E is configured to satisfy the
relationship: (projection plane 10Z of the image pickup device chip)
(projection plane 30Z of the wiring board)≧(projection plane 60Z
of the bonding layer). In other words, the wiring board 30 is placed
within the projection plane of the image pickup device chip 10 and the
bonding layer 60 is placed within the projection plane of the wiring
board 30.

[0090] The sectional area of the image pickup apparatus 1E corresponds to
the area of the projection plane of the image pickup device chip 10, and
thus the image pickup apparatus 1E can be disposed in a small space. The
endoscope which has the image pickup apparatus 1E disposed in the distal
end portion lends itself to diameter reduction of the distal end portion.

[0091] Next, a manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus 1E will
be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 18.

<Image Pickup Device Wafer Production Step>

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, this step produces an image pickup
device wafer 10W1 which has a plurality of the image pickup devices 11
and a plurality of the connection terminals 16 on the front face 14 and
has the external connection terminals 13A on the rear face 15, where the
plurality of the connection terminals 16 are connected to the respective
image pickup devices 11 and the external connection terminals 13A are
connected to the respective connection terminals 16.

[0094] The larger the number of image pickup devices 11 formed on one
image pickup device wafer 10W1, the higher the mass-productivity.

[0095] The connection terminals 16 are connected with the external
connection terminals 13A through the via interconnects 12 (see FIG. 11)
penetrating the silicon substrate. The via interconnect 12 is produced by
forming a via by wet etching or dry etching and then imparting electrical
conductivity to an inner surface of the via. Preferably the via
interconnect is a via hole formed from the side of the rear face 15 and
stopped by the rear face of the connection terminal 16 serving as an
etching stop layer. The via interconnect 12 and the external connection
terminal 13A are connected by the rear side interconnect 17.

[0096] Incidentally, instead of the via interconnects 12, the connection
terminals 16 and the external connection terminals 13A may be connected
by known lateral interconnects or the like after a dicing step or the
like described later. Also, the image pickup device wafer 10W1 may be
approximately circular.

<Bonding Layer Formation Step>

[0097] As shown in FIG. 15, the bonding layer 60 is formed on the rear
face 15 of the image pickup device wafer 10W1, being patterned to contain
multiple external connection terminals 13A connected to the respective
image pickup devices 11. That is, as a result of the patterning, multiple
pieces of the bonding layer 60 are formed all at once on the wafer level.

[0098] Since one image pickup device 11 is connected with four external
connection terminals 13A as described earlier, the bonding layer 60 is
patterned to cover four external connection terminals 13A per piece. The
multiple pieces of the bonding layer 60 will be referred to as a bonding
layer group 60W. That is, in the bonding layer formation step, a bonding
layer-lined image pickup device wafer 10W2 is produced with the bonding
layer group 60W formed on the rear face 15.

[0099] For example, when the bonding layer 60 is formed using a film such
as an anisotropic conductive film, after film resin is bonded to the
entire rear face 15 of the image pickup device wafer 10W1, the bonding
layer 60 is patterned by an etching, ashing, or other process using a
metal mask.

[0100] The bonding layer 60 may be formed using nonconductive film (NCF)
or using nonconductive resin paste (NCP), ACP, or liquid resin such as
solder-particle-containing resin instead of film resin. When a liquid
resin is used, the bonding layer 60 may be patterned using an inkjet,
screen printing, or other method instead of the etching process or the
like after masking.

[0101] Incidentally, if the bonding layer 60 is made of nonconductive
material, regions of the external connection terminals 13A may be removed
by patterning (see FIG. 23).

[0102] If the bonding layer 60 contains curing resin, preferably the resin
remains uncured or partially cured during formation of the bonding layer
60. This is because the connection portions 31A and the connection
terminals 16 can be connected more reliably if a curing process is
performed using heating, UV irradiation, or the like in a bonding step
described later.

[0103] Incidentally, each piece of the bonding layer 60 does not need to
be square in external shape (projected shape) shown in FIG. 12 and the
like, and may be rectangular, elliptical or the like as long as the
external connection terminals 13A fit in the shape. For example, if the
external shape of the image pickup device 11 is rectangular, the external
shape of the bonding layer 60 may also be rectangular.

<Dicing Step>

[0104] As shown in FIG. 16, the bonding layer-lined image pickup device
wafer 10W2 is cut and diced into individual image pickup device chips
1W1. Since cutting is done between pieces of the bonding layer 60, the
bonding layer 60 has been formed in the center of the rear face 15 of
each image pickup device chip 1W1.

[0105] A wire saw, a blade dicing saw, a laser dicing apparatus, or the
like is used in a wafer cutting process of the dicing step.

<Bonding Step>

(Connection Step)

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the connection portions 31A of the
wiring board 30 are connected with the connection terminals 16 via the
bonding layer 60. In so doing, to ensure electrical connection as well as
ensure physical bonding between the image pickup device chip 10 and the
wiring board 30, preferably the image pickup device chip 10 and the
wiring board 30 are subjected to a bonding process by the application of
pressure, i.e., attached under pressure.

[0107] The thickness of the bonding layer 60 is larger than the height of
the external connection terminals 13A. Consequently, the projection plane
60Z of the bonding layer after attachment under pressure shown in FIG. 18
is larger than a projection plane 60Z0 of the bonding layer before the
attachment shown in FIG. 17. That is, the bonding layer 60 has spread to
lateral sides.

[0108] Incidentally, although not illustrated in FIG. 17 and the like, the
electronic components 39 may be mounted on the wiring board 30 in advance
as shown in FIG. 11 and the like.

(Bending Step)

[0109] As shown in FIG. 19, the wiring board 30 is bent to place the
projection plane 30Z of the wiring board within the projection plane 10Z
of the image pickup device chip. Preferably the block 20 is wider than
the bonding layer 60 to prevent the bonding layer 60 from being stressed
during bending.

[0110] When the bending angle θv is approximately 90 degrees or
less, the wiring board 30 is placed within the projection plane 10Z of
the image pickup device chip, and preferably the bending angle θv
is between 90 and 50 degrees. Incidentally, although FIG. 19 shows a
U-shaped wiring board 30 bent both at the left and right sides, the
wiring board may be formed into an L shape by being bent only at the
other end, if provided with one short end and placed within the
projection plane 10Z after bonding.

[0111] Radius of curvature R of the bent portions is, for example, around
0.1 mm although this depends on the type and the like of the wiring board
30. The bonding layer 60 has been patterned into shape and size which
allow for expansion of the projection plane 60Z due to attachment under
pressure and the radius of curvature R of the bent portions.

[0112] As described earlier, to bend the wiring board 30 at a
predetermined angle and at predetermined locations as well as to reduce
the stress applied to the bonding portion during bending, the block 20 is
bonded to the rear face of the bonding portion 30X of the wiring board 30
in a block bonding step before the bending. Also, after the bending, the
block 20 is bonded to the extension portions 30Z of the wiring board 30
placed in contact with the block 20.

[0113] Incidentally, low-profile electronic components 39 may be mounted
in spaces between lateral surfaces of the bent wiring board 30 and the
projection plane 10Z of the image pickup device chip.

<Cable Connection Step>

[0114] The terminal portions 32 of the extension portions 30Z connected to
the wiring layer 35 of the wiring board 30 are connected with the cable
38. The cable connection is made using, for example, solder joints.

[0115] The manufacturing method according to the present embodiment
enables manufacturing of the image pickup apparatus 1 E which can be
placed in a small space.

Variation 1 and Variation 2 of Sixth Embodiment

[0116] Next, variation 1 and variation 2 of the sixth embodiment will be
described. The variations are similar to the sixth embodiment, and the
same components as those in the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same
reference numerals as the corresponding components while similar
components are denoted by the same reference numerals with an
alphabetical letter added to the end, and description thereof will be
omitted.

[0117] A projection plane of a bonding layer 60F of an image pickup
apparatus 1F according to variation 1 of the sixth embodiment shown in
FIG. 20 substantially coincides with the projection plane of the wiring
board 30. On the other hand, a projection plane of a bonding layer 60G of
an image pickup apparatus 1G according to variation 2 of the sixth
embodiment shown in FIG. 21 is larger than the projection plane of the
wiring board 30.

[0118] However, with the image pickup apparatus 1F and the image pickup
apparatus 1G, the projection planes of the bonding layers 60F and 60G as
well as the projection planes of the wiring boards 30 are located within
the projection plane of the image pickup device chip 10.

[0119] Consequently, the image pickup apparatus 1F, the image pickup
apparatus 1G, and the manufacturing method therefor according to the
present variations have advantages similar to those of the image pickup
apparatus 1E according to the sixth embodiment.

[0120] Incidentally, the manufacturing method for the image pickup
apparatus 1G may form a bonding layer 60B by pouring a liquid resin into
a gap in the bonding surface after the connection portions 31A of the
wiring boards 30 and the connection terminals 16 of the image pickup
device chips 10 are connected, for example, by soldering.

Seventh Embodiment

[0121] Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh
embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and the like, and the same
components as those in the first embodiment and the like are denoted by
the same reference numerals as the corresponding components while similar
components are denoted by the same reference numerals with an
alphabetical letter added to the end, and description thereof will be
omitted.

[0122] As shown in FIGS. 22A to 22C, in the image pickup apparatus 1H, 1J,
and 1K according to the seventh embodiment, cut portions 17H, 17J, and
17K are formed on side faces of image pickup device chips 10H, 10J, and
10K, respectively, and the rear faces 15 are smaller in external
dimensions (projection plane) than the front faces 14. A cross section of
the cut portion 17H is rectangular, a cross section of the cut portion
17J is tapered, and a cross section of the cut portion 17K is sloped
(curved).

[0123] Incidentally, in the seventh embodiment, the projection planes 10Z
of the image pickup device chips 10H, 10J, and 10K are equal in external
dimensions to the front faces 14.

[0124] In the image pickup apparatus 1H, 1J, and 1K according to the
present embodiment, the projection planes 60Z of the bonding layers 60 in
the bonding step are restricted in size by the cut portions 17H, 17J, and
17K. For example, the projection plane may be increased in size by
capillary action if the bonding layer is formed of a liquid resin, and
may be increased in size by pressure if the bonding layer is bonded under
pressure. However, in the image pickup apparatus 1H, 1J, and 1K, the cut
portions 17H, 17J, and 17K have a trapping function for preventing the
bonding layers from expanding outward.

[0125] Consequently, the image pickup apparatus 1H, 1J, and 1K and
manufacturing method according to the present embodiment have a
capability to form the bonding layer 60 in a predetermined projection
plane more reliably in addition to the advantages of the image pickup
apparatus 1E according to the sixth embodiment and the like. Therefore,
the image pickup apparatus 1H, 1J, and 1K allows the wiring boards 30 to
be placed more reliably within the projection planes of the image pickup
device chips 10H, 10J, and 10K.

Eighth Embodiment

[0126] Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. The eighth embodiment
is similar to the sixth embodiment and the like, and the same components
as those in the sixth embodiment and the like are denoted by the same
reference numerals as the corresponding components while similar
components are denoted by the same reference numerals with an
alphabetical letter added to the end, and description thereof will be
omitted.

[0127] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24A, in the image pickup apparatus 1L
according to the present embodiment, groove portions 18L with a
rectangular cross section are formed on the rear face 15 of the image
pickup device chip 10L. As shown in FIG. 23, it is sufficient if the
groove portions 18L are formed at least at locations parallel to the bent
portions 30Y of the wiring board 30. That is, if a wiring board bent into
an L shape is used, one groove portion 18L is enough. Conversely, the
groove portions may be shaped to surround the bonding layer 60.

[0128] Also, groove portions 18M of an image pickup apparatus 1M have a
V-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 24B and groove portions 18N of an
image pickup apparatus 1N have a U-shaped cross section as shown in FIG.
24C. Incidentally, the groove portions 18L, 18M, and 18N may be formed to
edges of the rear faces 15 of the image pickup device chips 10L, 10M, and
10N.

[0129] In the image pickup apparatus 1L, 1M, and 1N according to the
present embodiment, the projection planes of the bonding layers 60L (60)
in the bonding step are restricted in size by the groove portions 18L,
18M, and 18N. For example, if formed of a liquid resin, the bonding layer
60 will expand by capillary action, but the size is restricted by the
groove portions 18L, 18M, and 18N.

[0130] Therefore, the image pickup apparatus 1L, 1M, and 1N and
manufacturing method according to the present embodiment provides the
same advantages as those of the image pickup apparatus 1H, 1J, and 1K
according to the seventh embodiment and the like. Furthermore, the groove
portions 18L, 18M, and 18N can be formed on the wafer level, so
fabrication is easier in the present embodiment than in the image pickup
apparatus 1H, 1J, and 1K according to the seventh embodiment.

[0131] Incidentally, the bonding layer 60L of the image pickup apparatus
1L shown in FIG. 23 is an example of a filmy bonding layer in which holes
60L1 are formed by removing regions around the external connection
terminals 13A by patterning.

Ninth Embodiment

[0132] Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. The ninth embodiment is
similar to the first embodiment and the like, and the same components as
those in the first embodiment and the like are denoted by the same
reference numerals as the corresponding components while similar
components are denoted by the same reference numerals with an
alphabetical letter added to the end, and description thereof will be
omitted.

[0133] An image pickup apparatus 1P according to the ninth embodiment is
roughly similar in structure to the image pickup apparatus 1E according
to the sixth embodiment, but different from the sixth embodiment in the
manufacturing method.

[0134] The manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus 1P
according to the present embodiment includes: an image pickup device chip
production step of producing an image pickup device chip having an image
pickup device on a first main face and an external connection terminal on
a second main face, where the external connection terminal is connected
to the image pickup device; a bonding layer formation step of forming a
bonding layer on a wiring board having flexibility, where the bonding
layer is configured to fit within a projection plane of the image pickup
device chip; a bonding step of bonding together a wiring layer of the
wiring board and the external connection terminal via the bonding layer;
and a bending step of bending the wiring board at a bent portion so as to
place the wiring board within a projection plane of the image pickup
device.

[0135] That is, as shown in FIG. 25, in the image pickup device chip
production step, the image pickup device chip 10 is produced by a method
similar to the wafer process described earlier. On the other hand, in the
bonding layer formation step, the bonding layer 60 is formed in regions
containing the connection portions on the wiring board 30. The bonding
layer 60 has been shaped and sized so as to fit within the projection
plane of the image pickup device chip 10.

[0136] After the wiring board 30 with the bonding layer 60 formed thereon
is bonded to the image pickup device chip 10 in the bonding layer
formation step, the bending step is carried out.

[0137] The manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus 1P
according to the present embodiment has advantages similar to those of
the manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus 1E according to
the sixth embodiment.

Tenth Embodiment

[0138] Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. The tenth embodiment is
similar to the sixth embodiment and the like, and the same components as
those in the sixth embodiment and the like are denoted by the same
reference numerals as the corresponding components while similar
components are denoted by the same reference numerals with an
alphabetical letter added to the end, and description thereof will be
omitted.

[0139] An image pickup apparatus 1Q according to the tenth embodiment is
roughly similar in structure to the image pickup apparatus 1E according
to the sixth embodiment, but different from the sixth embodiment in the
manufacturing method.

[0140] The manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus 1Q
according to the present embodiment includes: an image pickup device chip
production step of producing an image pickup device chip having an image
pickup device on a first main face and an external connection terminal on
a second main face, where the external connection terminal is connected
to the image pickup device; a wiring board production step of producing a
wiring board bent at a bent portion so as to be placed within a
projection plane of the image pickup device chip; and a bonding step of
bonding together a wiring layer of the wiring board and the external
connection terminal via a bonding layer to be placed within the
projection plane of the image pickup device chip.

[0141] That is, as shown in FIG. 26, in the manufacturing method for the
image pickup apparatus 1Q, the wiring board 30 is bent at the bent
portion 30Y in the wiring board production step before the bonding step.
Then, in the bonding step, the bent wiring board 30 is bonded to the
image pickup device chip 10 via the bonding layer 60.

[0142] Incidentally, the bonding layer 60 may be formed on either the
image pickup device chip 10 or the wiring board 30. Also, the image
pickup device chip 10 and the wiring board 30 may be bonded together
under pressure with film resin cut to a predetermined size sandwiched
therebetween.

[0143] The manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus 1Q
according to the present embodiment has advantages similar to those of
the manufacturing method for the image pickup apparatus 1E according to
the sixth embodiment.

Eleventh Embodiment

[0144] Next, an image pickup unit of an endoscope 50R with an image pickup
apparatus 1R built into a distal end portion of an insertion portion will
be described as an eleventh embodiment. The optical system 51 shown
schematically in FIG. 27 and the image pickup apparatus 1R are fixed with
the optical axis O as a center by the frame portion 52. A cover glass 19
which also has a function to protect the image pickup device 11 during
manufacturing is bonded to a first main face of the image pickup
apparatus 1R.

[0145] The image pickup apparatus 1R is housed in a small-diameter
shielding frame 53, for example, with a diameter of 3 mm. The inside of
the shielding frame 53 is filled with an electrically nonconductive resin
filler 55 with high thermal conductivity. Electronic components 39 have
been mounted on the extension portions 30Z of the wiring board 30 bent
after the block 20 is disposed, and the cable 38 has been connected to a
rear end portion of the wiring board 30.

[0146] The image pickup apparatus 1R has a structure similar to the image
pickup apparatus 1E described earlier.

[0147] The endoscope 50R with the above structure, i.e., with the image
pickup apparatus 1R and the like built into the distal end portion of the
insertion portion, lends itself to diameter reduction.

Twelfth Embodiment

[0148] Next, description will be given of an image pickup apparatus 1S
according to a twelfth embodiment, a manufacturing method for the image
pickup apparatus 1S, and an endoscope 50S equipped with the image pickup
apparatus 1S (hereinafter referred to as the "image pickup apparatus 1S
and the like").

[0149] The image pickup apparatus 1S and the like are configured by
combining appropriate features extracted from the configurations of the
image pickup apparatus 1 to 1R described earlier. Specifically, the image
pickup apparatus 1S includes "an image pickup device chip 10S having an
image pickup device 11 on a front face 14 and an external connection
terminal 13 on a rear face 15, where the external connection terminal 13
is connected to the image pickup device 11 through a via interconnect
12;" "a wiring board 30 placed within a projection plane 10Z of the image
pickup device chip 10S and made up of an intermediate portion 30M whose
first main face 34 is connected with the external connection terminal 13,
a first flexing portion 30V1 and a second flexing portion 30V2 extended
from opposite ends of the intermediate portion 30M and bent toward the
intermediate portion at a predetermined angle, and a first extension
portion 30C1 and a second extension portion 30C2 extended from the first
flexing portion 30V1 or the second flexing portion 30V2;" "a cable 38
connected to at least one of the first extension portion 30C1 and the
second extension portion 30C2;" "a block 20D to which at least part of
the second main face 34 in the first extension portion 30C1 and second
extension portion 30C2 of the wiring board 30 is fixed in abutment;" and
"a bonding layer 60 placed in the projection plane 10Z of the image
pickup device chip 10S and adapted to bond together the image pickup
device chip 10S and the wiring board 30."

[0150] Furthermore, groove portions 18S are formed in the rear face 15 of
the image pickup device chip 10S to restrict size of the bonding layer 60
formed of film resin or liquid resin. Also, a concave portion is formed
in the block 20D to house electronic components 39 mounted on the wiring
board 30.

[0151] The image pickup apparatus 1S, the manufacturing method for the
image pickup apparatus 1S, and the endoscope 50S equipped with the image
pickup apparatus 1S have combined advantages of the image pickup
apparatus 1 and the like described earlier.

[0152] Also, the plate 20C shown in FIG. 9 may be used as a reinforcement
member instead of the block 20D shown in FIG. 28. Also, the block 20D may
be replaced with a heatsink provided with a heat dissipation function in
the form of groove portions 20V formed in surfaces as in the case of the
reinforcement member 20D shown in FIG. 10.

[0153] Having described the preferred embodiments of the invention
referring to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the
present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and various
changes and modifications thereof could be made by one skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in
the appended claims.

Patent applications by Fukashi Yoshizawa, Ina-Shi JP

Patent applications by Takashi Nakayama, Ina-Shi JP

Patent applications by Takatoshi Igarashi, Kamiina-Gun JP

Patent applications by Olympus Corporation

Patent applications in class Physical structure of circuit element

Patent applications in all subclasses Physical structure of circuit element